tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post4758588975019305559..comments2024-03-28T13:35:16.194-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: The Difficulty of Finding Story Ideas That Publishers LikeJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-49353787363391392982016-04-19T03:00:48.483-04:002016-04-19T03:00:48.483-04:00Story ideas is always being considered by publishe...Story ideas is always being considered by publishers. But some of them would just accept your story and help you publish your book.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08172584923240984004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-10212118349652015782011-08-27T06:30:23.936-04:002011-08-27T06:30:23.936-04:00Thank you for your very kind words, Marcia! :-)Thank you for your very kind words, Marcia! :-)Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-58768387962508888492011-08-26T22:06:40.749-04:002011-08-26T22:06:40.749-04:00I don't intend to go the way of traditional pu...I don't intend to go the way of traditional publishing, but I do believe that my story is different that what's out there now. I've looked at all of the historical fiction books available (yes, there are thousands) and there is nothing with a setting like mine. All stories have a hero who strugles toward a goal, as does mine. My story is one I must tell and I hope it's unique and well written enough to stand out. Jody, I love your books and I think they're different from the norm. You'll hit on something they'll like.Marcia Richardshttp://www.marcia-richards.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7130667961765546062011-08-25T17:46:54.685-04:002011-08-25T17:46:54.685-04:00I'd like to think that my books are fresh enou...I'd like to think that my books are fresh enough, but it's like stepping out of my own skin and thinking that I'm not fat, you know? I'd only know if a knowledgeable someone told me so!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://elizabethmueller.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥</a><br />Can Alex save Winter from the darkness that hunts her?<br />YA Paranormal Romance, <a href="http://www.authorelizabethmueller.com/" rel="nofollow"><i>Darkspell</i></a> coming fall of 2011!Elizabeth Muellerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06028099814857743134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-62395454390062172772011-08-25T15:42:43.581-04:002011-08-25T15:42:43.581-04:00I found your blog post quite interesting. As I re...I found your blog post quite interesting. As I read it, I kept wondering if this is one of the reasons some people choose to self-publish. I also enjoyed reading all the comments of your followers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-2698269561841792142011-08-25T12:40:18.356-04:002011-08-25T12:40:18.356-04:00Gina asked: I'm neck deep in market analysis f...Gina asked: I'm neck deep in market analysis for my proposal and was wondering if you knew how to find sales figures for a particular book?<br /><br />My thoughts: Gina, I don't think there really is any way to track down sales figures--especially of other authors unless of course they go public. But most of us are urged not to do so in order to avoid the comparison trap!<br /><br />And actually, if I want to know how my books are doing, I have to ask my publisher or wait for my twice a year sales reports that come in the mail. If you sign up on Amazon, you can check your BookScan reports, but those don't include a lot of retailers or online stores, so they're not really an full picture of how your book is doing.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-91650703625647850702011-08-25T10:43:23.991-04:002011-08-25T10:43:23.991-04:00Great post, Jody! You've laid out the issues h...Great post, Jody! You've laid out the issues here. I think writing the story you want to write will probably produce the best story. At the same time, knowing the market viability of that story will help you to have realistic expectations.<br /><br />And, like you said in your comment. Sometimes several publishers will reject story and then another decides to make an offer.<br /><br />You never know. :-)Paul Grecihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11340974339238587138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-17597227339222501512011-08-25T10:06:23.067-04:002011-08-25T10:06:23.067-04:00This is such a tough balance to strike--what's...This is such a tough balance to strike--what's marketable and what you're passionate about. I have two book proposals out my editor right now so I'm biting my nails.<br /><br />And I had a similar experience like you did with your author friend. Another author at my publishing house has a book coming out before my debut that sounds SO much like mine. But we share an editor and my editor bought my book knowing she already had that one slated. So obviously the books are very different even if there are similarities in the set up. <br /><br />So that was a lesson for me because had I seen that book come out before I had submitted mine, I would've considered giving up on sending it to that house. We have to trust that our voices are unique and that no one can tell a story exactly like we do.Roni Lorenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02719679344024635326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-56632001486052528982011-08-25T09:35:56.379-04:002011-08-25T09:35:56.379-04:00Good thoughts! I'm not sure if my story is tri...Good thoughts! I'm not sure if my story is tried and true enough, but I'm neck deep in market analysis for my proposal and was wondering if you knew how to find sales figures for a particular book?Gina Conroyhttp://writerinterrupted.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-84958387872078701722011-08-25T08:42:05.635-04:002011-08-25T08:42:05.635-04:00Thanks for expanding on this Jody. I had no idea m...Thanks for expanding on this Jody. I had no idea my random thoughts on publishing would inspire a blog post. :-)<br /><br />Sorry I was to busy to check in yesterday, but it's encouraging to know "successful" authors also get plot ideas tossed aside at the beginning stages. <br /><br />Interestingly, I learned my lesson about not using different settings with my first novel. So when I plotted my second novel, I looked at what was selling and considered a "marketable premise." Then I twisted everything around. Even though my WIP has a cowboy, math teacher, and British lord, I don't look at the story and say "well that's been told a thousand times before." But I put A LOT of work into the plot. It takes a while to think up something originalNaomi Rawlingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02431203734855694561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-41145229643757670452011-08-25T00:13:57.102-04:002011-08-25T00:13:57.102-04:00I belong to a critique group. One member has an am...I belong to a critique group. One member has an amazing voice, fresh ideas. Her writing brings me to tears and makes me laugh out loud--all at the right places. She never settles for a cliche. <br />And the fact that she's not published stuns me. Publishers say they want something new ... and then they say it's "too much."<br />Sigh.<br />My own stories? I believe the adage there are only so many basic plots. But I try to make those plots my own--write them in my voice. And then rewrite them so the story sings.Beth K. Vogthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04032849469366266791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-56723787225031701112011-08-24T22:24:52.444-04:002011-08-24T22:24:52.444-04:00Great post! And I agree with your persevere post.....Great post! And I agree with your persevere post... There are SO many reasons a publisher might not "like" your idea but another will. So I think that's important to keep in mind as well. Personally, I'm always nervous as I start a book and a new idea. As an unpublished writer, I'm taking the risk on MYSELF... ask I'm spending a LOT of time with one idea to nurture it and grow it into a book. I'm working on a book right now that *I* really like, but there is always that fear that, what if I'm the only one??? What if this is royally stupid???????? But, in writing you take chances. We all do. And if everyone says it's stupid and won't sell, well, I'll just write another book I guess. :-)Krista Phillipshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10772828583379163612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-26986314990967269132011-08-24T22:14:18.025-04:002011-08-24T22:14:18.025-04:00Trying to predict what the market will do is so ha...Trying to predict what the market will do is so hard. Publishers are having a hard time right now. And you're right, they do watch how your book sells in all venues.<br /><br />Isn't it wonderful how unique authors writing styles can be. Like you said, you can have similar plot lines, but the books are very different.<br /><br />Great post!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kathiswritingnook.com/" rel="nofollow">Kathi</a>Kathi Oram Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11959149321213743448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-75359896271677495842011-08-24T16:38:05.848-04:002011-08-24T16:38:05.848-04:00Interesting post, particularly since all I seem to...Interesting post, particularly since all I seem to see in Christian fiction lately is Amish leaving-the-community tales...Pattiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11246904837775307023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-2243187480177097192011-08-24T14:36:31.737-04:002011-08-24T14:36:31.737-04:00Well, I think it is well proven through history th...Well, I think it is well proven through history that regarding something new, publishers have NO idea whether there will be a majority of the public to read it. <br /><br />Many new concepts were introduced to the public and they broke the market, against all odds. Harry Potter is a good example.<br /><br />It's simply an excuse. I think that due to the economic circumstances, publishers don't go with the safe types, but with the safe authors. They rarely agree to undertake a new author anymore, whether it is something new or it is something already tested, no matter how good that author is. <br /><br />And even with salable authors' works, they don't venture on new ideas. They try to keep on the well-known and safe path. A pity really, but it's low risk business tactics and in pace with global economic requirements.<br /><br />Very interesting post :)Jacqvernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17010653576746198205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23240301422721016922011-08-24T14:04:43.507-04:002011-08-24T14:04:43.507-04:00Great points. I get frustrated about this very top...Great points. I get frustrated about this very topic. Finding the happy-medium is my goal. <br />Thanks, Jody!Jennifer K. Halehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10593855135749285028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-53417525440099108602011-08-24T13:25:18.509-04:002011-08-24T13:25:18.509-04:00I write both. I have a series that takes place in ...I write both. I have a series that takes place in the 1870s in Kansas, but I'm also entertaining a Christian steampunk fantasy novel that I hope publishers will one day be interested in. The Christian fiction market is a bit slower to leap onto trends as the secular market, but it is coming around. It's just a matter of being patient and keeping a close eye on what's selling. If you have a good story that's written well, there's a good chance that someone will show an interest in your work. People's demands change over time, and publishers have to respond to them.Brandi Boddiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08017741568841209088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-15957758413019866032011-08-24T11:16:37.927-04:002011-08-24T11:16:37.927-04:00I don't believe it has to be a simple case of ...I don't believe it has to be a simple case of writing the book you love versus writing the book that follows a trend.<br /><br />As writers, we can find a balance between our passion and the practicalities of marketable storytelling. Whether a book is a modern-day romance or historical, or features vampires or mermaids, these are all set dressing. A good story is a good story regardless, and when told well and pitched well, it can sell.Paul Anthony Shortthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14393249001158230985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-60852334943614520182011-08-24T11:08:11.742-04:002011-08-24T11:08:11.742-04:00I think this all goes back to writing the book you...I think this all goes back to writing the book you love versus following a trend. My historical romance is in a tough time period, but I love it, I've worked hard on it, and will try to sell it. That's all you can do until you find another book that you love just as much to run it through the gamut. I'd like to think at some point things work out. Maybe not in the way you intended, but at least set the groundwork for something else.Bluestockinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01225973854788421827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-3645358789631959162011-08-24T10:10:27.361-04:002011-08-24T10:10:27.361-04:00Oh boy, this is what I'm going through right n...Oh boy, this is what I'm going through right now. I have several characters in my head and I'm trying to figure out where to place them in history and what the conflicts are so that I can send a few ideas to my editor. At the same time, I'm super nervous that they'll all be tossed aside.Jessica Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12365768876905444157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-57821843081626001112011-08-24T10:05:54.385-04:002011-08-24T10:05:54.385-04:00I have no lack of ideas for stories or completed m...I have no lack of ideas for stories or completed manuscripts. Some have been pitched, rejected, and returned to the closet. Others never left the closet, because the time doesn't seem right--yet. If nothing else, I am a better writer now for having worked on those books in the closet.Olivia Newporthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17898775895246676862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-62773532744967223702011-08-24T10:01:56.698-04:002011-08-24T10:01:56.698-04:00Good morning, everyone! If you haven't read ag...Good morning, everyone! If you haven't read agent Rachelle Gardner's post yet today, I think it's very encouraging. It just shows the variety of rejections that publishers give to books that have gone on to sell. So another point I'd add is to persevere! Sometimes an idea that doesn't appeal to one publisher, might to another!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-26174809894321955512011-08-24T09:39:31.816-04:002011-08-24T09:39:31.816-04:00And this is why so many great books have a hard ti...And this is why so many great books have a hard time finding the right publisher. Truly original works require publishers smart enough to recognize their potential and brave enough to take a risk. Sure, it's safer to publish a book that is similar to a previous hot seller. An original book is more likely to flop. We an environment where many flops are allowed so the original gems have a chance.Glenhttp://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-86302663678721513952011-08-24T08:33:44.209-04:002011-08-24T08:33:44.209-04:00I think this is the hardest part of writing for me...I think this is the hardest part of writing for me--finding the "right" story to tell. Not a good story or even a great story, but the right story at the right time in the right voice. For me, that still takes practice! Like you, Jody, I come up with what I think are brilliant plots that get immediately tossed aside. But it just means that to find those one or two gems in the rough, I must pan through a lot of rocks that appear to be the real thing, first.Anne Mateerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11330467138236037032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23827275871158702772011-08-24T08:12:25.579-04:002011-08-24T08:12:25.579-04:00I want to tell stories that will be loved by as ma...I want to tell stories that will be loved by as many people as possible. In that regard, having a publisher and editor able to advise me on how best to achieve that is invaluable. Even if I were self-publishing, I'd want to be able to tell stories that have that kind of range.<br /><br />When I get a new idea for a book, the first thing I ask myself is "will anyone want to read this?" If I think it seems too out there, or if it's too similar to what's already on the market, I look for ways to make the story and characters more enjoyable and appealing. <br /><br />I find that a good way to ensure that a book is appealing to as many people as possible is to work out the human factor. <br /><br />No-one can empathise with someone fighting vampires or travelling the world searching for a lost love, because that's just not part of the average person's daily life. <br /><br />But if that vampire hunter is trying to hold down a normal job, or struggling to keep a relationship going despite his girlfriend's protests that he's insane, then there's something readers can relate to. Maybe the forlorn lover has decided to give up on her career or education to go searching the world. Maybe she becomes aware of another opportunity that will become available on her journey. People can understand the desire to leave behind a job they don't like in order to pursue a dream or new chance at success.Paul Anthony Shortthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14393249001158230985noreply@blogger.com